GamCare Creates Financial Buffer as Levy Transition Highlights Gaps

GamCare said its financial position had improved but warned that the introduction of a statutory gambling harm levy in the UK caused major disruption to support services in the 2025/2026 financial year. GamCare Boosts Reserves to Nearly £16M as Levy System Changes GamCare’s most recent annual report reveals its reserves increased to nearly GBP16 million ($21.7 million) as it readied itself for a new public-sector funding system that was introduced at the end of the voluntary levy framework. It said the stronger balance sheet would allow it to continue to run services whilst the new commissioning arrangements were still developing. The organization had income of GBP19.9 million ($27 million) in the year to March 2026, marginally down from GBP20.3 million ($27.6 million) a year earlier. However, spending fell more sharply, from GBP16.1 million ($21.9 million) to GBP14.8 million ($20.1 million), leaving a surplus of around GBP5 million ($6.8 million). Trustees have set a target for operating reserve levels of between GBP9 million ($12.2 million) and GBP11 million ($14.9 million), with GBP2 million ($2.7 million) being set aside for digital development. The cash cushion comes at a time when GamCare is undergoing a major shift in the way gambling-related services are funded. The earlier voluntary scheme was scrapped, and gambling firms’ contributions fell by 44% to GBP4.2 million ($5.7 million). GambleAware, which had been central in distributing funding, shut down in March 2026. GamCare Reports 114,000 Helpline Contacts Amid Funding Transition GamCare said the move also exposed weaknesses in the coordination of treatment and support services. In England, Scotland and Wales, responsibility for commissioning was divided among several public bodies. Some funding decisions were made at short notice. In some cases, the charity used its own resources and infrastructure to ensure that people did not lose access to support. The problems did not diminish the need for GamCare’s services. Its National Gambling Helpline and digital channels dealt with more than 114,000 contacts during the year. There were more than 11,400 referrals for treatment and 17,700 referrals to other support services. Treatment services supported 2,811 clients through over 10,300 sessions. Assessments were completed within an average of 2.4 days, and almost 97% of people who completed treatment reported improvement in their situation. Average Problem Gambling Severity Index scores decreased from 14.4 at treatment initiation to 3.3 at treatment completion, while psychological distress also decreased markedly. GamCare’s preventative work reached a further 17,100 people, including more than 2,100 professionals trained to spot gambling-related harm across sectors including healthcare, social services, financial services and criminal justice. External assessments of the charity were also favorable. Its helpline, treatment and outreach services were highly rated by the Care Quality Commission for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership. The regulator also found no evidence of gambling industry interests influencing the services provided by GamCare. GamCare will continue to run the National Gambling Helpline and deliver treatment and outreach across a number of English regions under the new funding model. It has also been funded to work in Scotland, although its commissioned helpline role in Wales has not been renewed.